Today, a federal appeals court issued a new ruling that will prohibit the U.S. Government from continuing to apply a public health authority known as Title 42 to families seeking asylum if they face persecution or torture upon being expelled. Jesuit Refugee Service/USA applauds this decision which will effectively end the use of Title 42 for families fleeing danger.

“For the past two years, we have spoken out against this inhumane and dangerous policy that has left thousands of asylum seekers stranded and vulnerable to continued violence and persecution,” said Giulia McPherson, Director of Advocacy at Jesuit Refugee Service/USA. “We urge the Biden Administration to quickly implement this court decision and take swift action to accept and accommodate those seeking protection at our borders. We also call on decision makers to extend this reversal to all asylum seekers, including individuals.”

First introduced in March 2020, more than 1 million migrants and asylum seekers have been turned away due to Title 42, which essentially banned anyone from seeking asylum at the U.S. southern border under the pretext of the COVID-19 pandemic. After initially signaling his intent to rescind Title 42 at the start of his Administration, President Biden officially extended the public health regulation last year.